1. Home
  2. Caltrans Near Me
  3. District 9
  4. District 9 Popular Links
  5. District 9 100 Year Anniversary

District 9 100 Year Anniversary

The Caltrans District 9 100 Year Anniversary Logo.

The California State Highway System dates back to 1985 when Governor James Budd established the Bureau of Highways, one of several precursors to the agency we know today as Caltrans. A year later, the Department of Highways replaced the bureau, which operated as an independent agency until 1907, when the Division of Highways was created within the newly established Department of Engineering. In 1910, California voters passed an $18 million bond to fund the construction of the State Highway System. Seven divisions were created in 1912 to facilitate the construction, with the Fresno office managing Inyo, Mono, and Kern counties.

In 1923, the same year the first state gas tax was established, the California Highway Commission created three more divisions in the cities of Stockton, San Bernardino, and Bishop. The latter began operations on October 11, 1923 as Division 9. Today, it's known as Caltrans District 9, and it manages 19 U.S. and State designated highways in Eastern Kern, Mono, and Inyo counties.

Join us as we celebrate one century of serving the people of California.

A map showing the original boundary for District 9 which included Mono, Inyo, and Eastern Kern counties.

In the Beginning

The original layout of Division 9 doesn't look too much different than how Caltrans District 9 looks today. When it first came into operation in 1923, Division 9 covered the highways of Eastern Kern, Mono, and Inyo counties. As you can see in this map recreation, Division 9 was responsible for just six highways, including what we now know as U.S. 395, State Route 58, Sonora Pass (State Route 108), and Tioga Pass Road (State Route 120). Many of District 9's most popular highways, including June Lake Loop (State Route 158) and State Route 190 through Death Valley, wouldn't arrive for many years. In fact, Death Valley wouldn't be declared a national monument until 10 years later, and it wouldn't become a national park until 1994.

District 9 - The Early Years

Independence 1866 A black and white picture of Independence from 1866.
Bishop 1885 A black and white picture of Main Street in Bishop in 1885.
Independence 1888 A black and white picture of Independence in 1888.
Early Inyo Trail An early trail in Inyo County in 1909.
Independence Undated An undated black and white picture of Independence.
Big Pine 1910 Concrete Slab A black and white picture of an eight foot wide slab of concrete pavement south of Big Pine in 1910.
Lone Pine Summer 1911 A black and white picture of a street in Lone Pine from the summer of 1911.
Lone Pine Winter 1911 A black and white picture of a street in Lone Pine from the winter of 1911.
Bishop 1911 A black and white landscape picture of Bishop in 1911.
Keeler 1912 A black and white picture of Keeler in 1912.
Aberdeen 1918 A black and white picture of a building in Aberdeen in 1918.
Tioga Pass 1916 A black and white picture of the packet exchange on Tioga Pass in 1916.
A picture of Francis G Somner without a background.

The First District Engineer

Francis G. Somner was already a known commodity when he took the reins of Division 9 on October 11, 1923. Previously, he was employed by Division 1 in Willits where he played a crucial role in connecting Eureka and Humboldt County to cities further south with an expansion of the Redwood Highway. With Division 9, he'd be asked to do the same thing again with the towns and communities of Inyo and Mono counties.

An excerpt from The Story of District IX describes him as so:

Frank G. Somner was a character. He had a goodly supply of anecdotes and could tell them effectively. He did not spare himself in such matters. He told of being on a reconnaissance trip with F. W. Haselwood, who later became a district engineer. They waded across a stream after removing their shoes and socks. On the far bank, they started to replace them as they continued to discuss the reconnaissance that they were making. Somner had considerable trouble trying to pull on his shoe. Hasselwood noticed his plight and finally said, “Mr. Somner, if you would try putting just one sock on each foot, I think your shoe would slip on much better.”

The Story of District IX

Former District Engineer Alan Hart began work in the 1950s on the definitive account of District 9. Spurred by the desire to present an accurate picture of what life was like east of the Sierra Nevada, telling the story of District 9 proved to be a challenge. There weren't many documents he could pull from that detailed the earliest years of highway operations in Inyo, Mono, and eastern Kern counties. It's believed many records were lost in a 1926 fire, and Hart, to continue writing his book, would have to reach out to those who were there in the earliest years and get first-hand accounts of the earliest years of District 9.

This is an excerpt from "El Camino Sierra," the first chapter of the unfinished book The Story of District IX by Alan S. Hart:

State Highway District IX was born on October 11, 1923. The highways within the limits of District IX were, however, no swaddling infants then as they, for the most part, were a portion of the original State highway system as laid out in the latter part of the year 1911. For nearly 12 years the highways of District IX were fathered and nurtured by the engineers of District VI in Fresno who were first charged with the responsibilities of the State highways in the Inyo-Mono region.

While the peoples of the land east of the Sierra are not as numerous as those elsewhere in California, these inhabitants of the “Land of Little Rain” are just as intense, just as steadfast of purpose, and just as civic and highway minded as their brethren in the more populated areas.

The main traveled way in Inyo-Mono is now designated as U. S. 395 and is the economic life line of this area. U. S. 395, also colorfully termed the Three Flags Highway, traverses the United States from the south in Mexico to a northerly terminal in Canada. The Owens Valley and the Mono mountains lie athwart of this royal road to romance. There are no railroads in Mono County. Inyo County was never adequately serviced by the combination broad and narrow gauge railroad.

From the earliest times, this area had only its trails for transportation. The early miners, the cattlemen, the soldiers and the Indians traveled up and down the valleys, passes, and hillsides and in time a path was beaten along the shortest routes between the many settlements that existed before the turn of the century. Widening out of these paths for wagon uses caused the first roads to come into being.

The dirt roads were adequate for wagon traffic. High centers of gravity, large wheels, and generally slow speed provided no particular cause for complaint if the roads were narrow or had high ridges between the wheel tracks. Never-the-less, a persistent barrier to wagon traffic existed in these days on the formidable Sherwin Hill located in Mono County just over the line from Inyo County and at the northerly end of the Owens Valley. A road was actually constructed by J. L. C. Sherwin over the hill which bears his name and toll was charged for the right to travel over this new road. As a road for wagons, it was adequate and at least did provide for a means of transporting goods from one county to the other.

With the advent of the 20th Century came the automobile. As the horseless carriages became numerically prominent, so did the agitation for 9 good roads. The old narrow, dusty in summer, muddy in winter, high centered, rutted roads just would not provide a suitable platform for the new gasoline runabouts.

Characteristically, the people of California started in to do something about this problem rather than talk about it or bemoan the situation. In the legislative session of 1909, an act was passed calling for a bond issue of $18,000,000 for the purpose of acquiring and constructing a State highway system. Governor Gillett signed this act and it went to the people of the State of California for ratification at the general election of November, 1910.

The die was now cast and it was up to the people themselves to decide whether or not they wanted good roads. The people east of the Sierra were not long in making up their minds just what they wanted.

To read the complete text, click here: The Story of District IX by Alan S. Hart.

District 9 Throughout the Years

District 9 Historical Gallery

1912 Big Pine Hall A black and white picture of a building wrecked by a snowstorm in 1912 Big Pine.
1912 Big Pine Sheep A black and white picture of sheep shuffling down a snowy Main Street in Big Pine in 1912.
Undated Bridgeport Main Street An undated picture of Main Street in Bridgeport.
Undated Big Pine Grammar School An undated black and white picture of the school in Big Pine.
Undated Big Pine Library An undated black and white picture of the library in Big Pine.
1926 Independence Court House A black and white picture of the court house in Independence in 1926.
1927 Independence Main Street 1 A black and white picture of Main Street in Independence in 1927.
1927 Independence Main Street Hotel A black and white picture of a hotel in Independence in 1927.
Undated Little Lake Hotel An undated black and white picture of the Little Lake Hotel.
1927 State Route 14 A black and white picture of the road that would become State Route 14 between Mojave and Bishop in 1927.
Undated Casa Diablo An undated black and white picture of the Casa Diablo Hot Springs and gas station.
Undated Old Downtown Bishop An old undated black and white picture of Main Street in Bishop.
1930 Traffic Striping A black and white photo showing how highways were striped in the 1930s.
Undated Chip Spreader An undated black and white picture of highway crews spreading chips on the pavement.
1933 Bishop Creek Road A black and white picture of Bishop Creek Road in 1933.
Undated Keeler An undated black and white picture of water near the town of Keeler.
1934 Bishop Main Street 1 A black and white picture of Main Street in Bishop in 1934.
1934 Bishop Main Street 2 A black and white picture of Main Street in Bishop in 1934. Tracks are being installed.
1934 Bishop Main Street 3 A black and white picture of Main Street in Bishop in 1934 after a road repair.
Undated Drug Store on Main Street An undated black and white picture of a drug store on Main Street.
1934 Highway Equipment 1 A black and white picture of a paving truck from 1934.
1934 Highway Equipment 2 A black and white picture of an old vehicle the Division of Highways used to build highways in 1934.
1934 June Lake Loop A black and white picture of the road that would become June Lake Loop in 1934.
1934 Lone Pine Main Street Cars line the street in this black and white picture of downtown Lone Pine in 1934.
1934 Mammoth Lakes A black and white picture of the main road into Mammoth Lakes in 1934.
1934 Mono County Road Construction A black and white picture of road construction in Mono County on April 19, 1934. A vehicle in the picture is using a detour.
1934 Near Furnace Creek A black and white picture of the road to Furnace Creek in 1934.
Undated Furnace Creek Inn An undated black and white picture of the Inn at Furnace Creek.
Undated Death Valley 1 An undated black and white picture of a car and wagon in Death Valley.
Undated Death Valley 2 An undated black and white picture of the Original 20 Mule Team Wagon used for hauling Borax out of Death Valley for the Pacific Coast Borax Company.
Undated Construction Overlooking Panamint Valley An undated black and white picture showing highway construction overlooking Panamint Springs.
1936 Independence Main Street Cars line the side of the street in this black and white picture of Main Street in Independence in 1936.
Undated Lone Car Driving in Snow An undated black and white picture of a single vehicle driving on a snowy highway with snowy mountains in the distance.
1936 Lone Pine Main Street Lone Pine busy with traffic in 1936.
Undated Bishop Downtown Main Street An undated black and white picture of downtown Bishop.
1949 Big Pine Main Street Main Street in Big Pine sits empty in this black and white picture from 1949.
1950 June Lake Town A black and white picture of the town of June Lake in 1950.
Undated Lee Vining An undated black and white picture of Lee Vining.
Undated Bishop Parade An undated black and white picture of a Parade on Main Street in Bishop.
1962 Tioga Pass Road A black and white picture of Tioga Pass in 1962 where traffic is whittled down to a single lane.
1968 Bishop Looking North A look at Main Street looking north in 1968.
1968 Bishop Main Street A gas station light glows in the morning light on Main Street in Bishop in 1968.
1968 Bishop Main Street Centerline A look at Main Street in Bishop from the centerline of the road in 1968.
1968 Bishop Main Street Waffle Shop A car is parked in front of a waffle shop on Main Street in Bishop in 1968.
1972 Old Mammoth Road A black and white picture of Old Mammoth Road in 1972.
The Caltrans District 9 District Office in Bishop in 2023.

The District 9 District Office

Before they were part of Division 9, the highways of Inyo, Mono, and eastern Kern counties were managed by Division 6 out of Fresno. Because of this, there was no building on this side of the mountains for those who worked here. In 1917, Dick Badger, who was assigned construction work in Inyo and Mono counties, successfully petitioned for a base of operations to be built where data, records, and reports could stored locally. On January 15, 1918, a 100' by 150' parcel of land was purchased on the south side of Bishop, and a two-room office building was erected in the southwest corner of the lot. That was the first building in what would eventually become the Caltrans District 9 District Office.

D9 District Office Through the Years

1933 Shop 9 Employees A photograph of the employees of Division 9 Shop 9 in 1933.
Division of Highways Sign A black and white photo showing the old District 9 Division of Highways sign. (Undated)
District Office Covered in Snow A black and white photo showing a snowy main entrance to the District Office building. (Undated)
District Office Northeast Corner A black and white photo showing the northeast corner of the District Office lot. (Undated)
District 9 Parking and Employees A photograph of part of the District Office parking lot with two unnamed employees. (Undated)
District Office Landscaping A black and white picture showing building maintenance employees landscaping. (March, 1955)

Major Projects in District 9

Map highlighting the completion dates of different projects within the Corridor Development Project.

US 395-State Route 14 Corridor Project

The U.S. 395/State Route 14 Corridor Development Project was conceived to upgrade and develop most of U.S. 395 in Inyo and Mono counties, and all of State Route 14 in Kern County, from two-lane to four-lane facilities. The first segment of the overall corridor project to be completed was the 1955 Project, which expanded U.S. 395 to four lanes between Sherwin Grade and Sherwin Summit. Freeman Gulch - Segment 1 was the most recent project in this corridor plan, with construction completed in 2018.

Corridor Project Gallery

Freeman Gulch 1 Before Southbound facing photograph of State Route 14 in Kern County before the start of construction on the Freeman Gulch 1 corridor project.
Freeman Gulch 1 After Southbound facing picture of State Route 14 following the completion of Freeman Gulch 1
Blackrock 4-Lane Project Photograph of a cement roller working on the Blackrock 4-Lane Project in 2004.
Independence 4-Lane Project After Northbound facing photograph of Independence following the completion of the Independence Manzanar 4-Lane corridor project.
Olancha Cartago 1 Olancha-Cartago Project - Los Angeles Aqueduct Photographed from Above by Drone
Olancha Cartago 2 behind a bulldozer
Olancha Cartago 3 water truck spraying dirt to keep dust down
Olancha Cartago 4 bucket loader
A photograph of the completed High Point Curve Correction Project from Topaz Lake.

High Point Curve Correction Project

The High Point Curve Correction Project in Mono County improved safety on U.S. 395 along Topaz Lake by realigning horizontal and vertical curves, reducing rockfall, and installing two new retaining walls. The project went into construction in May of 2012 and was completed by the following October.

High Point Gallery

High Point Construction Aerial Shot Aerial view of the High Point Curve Correction Project on U.S. 395 from 2012.
High Point Before Picture Before picture of U.S. 395 along Topaz Lake in 2012.
High Point After Picture Retaining Wall After picture of completed retaining wall along Topaz Lake on September 25, 2012.
High Point Curve Correction Northbound facing photograph of completed High Point Project from September 25, 2012.

The Brief Life and Long Legacy of the Eichbaum Toll Road

Virtually no tourism existed in the Death Valley region of Inyo County until the 1920s when affordable car ownership led to the rise of auto tourism. Deserts, at the time, did not register in the minds of most as vacation destinations, particularly in a place called "Death Valley." In 1921, a road survey and mapping crew from the Automobile Club of Southern California labeled the land the "terror of the West" and "the most maligned natural attraction America has to offer."

But not everyone saw it that way. Herman William (H.W.) Eichbaum had worked in mining as a young adult before moving into tourism. He built the first tourist resort at Stovepipe Wells in Death Valley in 1926. A year later, the Pacific Coast Borax Company built the Furnace Creek Inn. Both locations would prove to be popular destinations with tourists who could reach the isolated resorts on the Eichbaum Toll Road. Built between 1925 and 1926, the road connected the town of Darwin to Stovepipe Wells. With these pieces in place, tourists far and wide started to recognize Death Valley as an attraction worth seeing. In the winter of 1928/29, more than 10,000 tourists visited the valley.

Eichbaum died on February 16, 1932. Nearly one year later, President Herbert Hoover designated Death Valley as a National Monument. Around the same time, the California State Division of Highways was looking into purchasing the Eichbaum Toll Road. The popularity of the road was waning as people found different routes into Death Valley that didn't involve paying a toll. On December 5, 1934, the Division of Highways offered Helene Eichbaum, H.W.'s widow, $25,000 for the road. The deal was accepted, and all rights to the road were transferred to the State of California on December 19, 1934.

Much of the Eichbaum Toll Road still exists today as part of State Route 190. The route still brings visitors to Stovepipe Wells, but it also connects them to Panamint Springs and Furnace Creek within Death Valley National Park. Each year, thousands of tourists from around the world use the highway to see the mesmerizing beauty of this unlikely national park. Without the vision of H.W. Eichbaum, State Route 190 and Death Valley National Park might not exist as they do today.

To read more about the Eichbaum Toll Road, click here: Eichbaum Toll Road Historic Context Report

Eichbaum Toll Road in Photos

A photograph of the west toll gate to the Eichbaum Toll Road. (Dated: 1927)

A picture from 1934 of the Eichbaum Toll Road after it was acquired by the Division of Highways.

Notable Events in District 9 History

Nineteen ninety-six photograph of the flooding of Walker River taken from a helicopter.

Walker River Flood

In January 1997, roughly 10 miles of U.S. 395 in Walker Canyon was ripped apart by historic flooding of the West Walker River. The raging waters of the river tore apart the pavement and reshaped the river base along the highway, cutting off this vital transportation route. Caltrans issued two emergency repair contracts the very next month, one for the highway and one for the river habitat. Construction on both contracts ran concurrently and the highway reopened in June 1997.

Walker River Flood Gallery

Walker Flooding 8 Part of U.S. 395 in Walker Canyon is destroyed by flooding on January 2, 1997.
Walker Flooding 9 Raging flood waters wash through an area where U.S. 395 once stood on January 2, 1997.
Walker Flooding 10 A portion of U.S. 395 in Walker Canyon is washed away by flood waters on January 2, 1997.
Walker Flooding 5 A helicopter pilot surveys the damage to U.S. 395 in Walker Canyon on January 3, 1997, following historic flooding.
Walker Flooding 6 The jagged edge of pavement on U.S. 395 is left hanging after flood waters washed through the area on January 2, 1997.
Walker Flooding 7 An aerial view of part of Walker Canyon following historic flooding on January 3, 1997.
Walker River Aftermath 1 A section of U.S. 395 in Walker Canyon washed away by the raging waters of Walker River in 1997.
Walker River Aftermath 2 A photograph of the aftermath of the historic Walker River flooding in Mono County in 1997.
Walker Flooding Aftermath 3 Walker River Flooding aftermath on U.S. 395 in Mono County on January 3, 1997.
Walker Flooding Aftermath 4 Walker River flooding aftermath in Walker Canyon on January 3, 1997.
Walker River Repairs 1 Construction crews work to repair and reopen U.S. 395 through Walker Canyon following historic flooding in 1997.
Walker River Repairs 2 Construction equipment repairing U.S. 395 through Walker Canyon following historic flooding.

Walker River Repair Video

Multiple vehicles stuck in the mudslide on State Route 58 in October, 2015.

State Route 58 Mudslide

On October 15, 2015, eastern Kern County experienced a 1,000 year storm that triggered flash floods and a massive mudslide on State Route 58 east of Tehachapi. The mudslide, which occurred at 6:07 pm, stretched for 1.5 miles and buried the highway under five to six feet of mud. More than 100 vehicles were stuck in the slide, including 78 passenger vehicles, 36 commercial trucks, and two busses. All travelers were safely removed from their vehicles and relocated to emergency shelters. Caltrans began removing the mud from the highway that night, and over the next six days would remove approximately 75,000 cubic yards of mud and soil from the roadway and shoulders. Thanks to the tireless effort of everyone involved in the clean-up process, the highway was able to reopen at 8:00 pm on October 21, 2015.

State Route 58 Mudslide Gallery

Camper Trailer in Mud A camper trailer stuck in the mud on State Route 58 on October 16, 2015.
Mud clean-up on State Route 58 Crews clean mud from State Route 58 on October 19, 2015.
Trucks Lined Up to Remove Mud Multiple trucks lined up to haul away mud from State Route 58 in October, 2015.
A cleaned State Route 58 A picture of State Route 58 before it reopened following the historic mudslide in October, 2015.
An aerial look at the avalanche on U.S. 395 along Mono Lake in March 2023.

Atmospheric Rivers of 2023

Between January and March of 2023, California experienced 13 atmospheric rivers that brought an end to most drought conditions in the state. It also brought a bevy of snow to the higher elevations. Mono County was hit particularly hard, with multiple highway closures due to heavy snow and whiteout conditions. Maintenance crews prepped facilities and worked nonstop to restore lost access when storms overwhelmed the system. 

The atmospheric rivers that hit at the end of February and beginning of March were even more powerful, causing an avalanche on U.S. 395 along Mono Lake that closed the section of highway for several weeks starting on February 24. Caltrans had to call in reinforcements from other districts to clear the roads and issued an emergency work contract to assist in clearing the roads. An emergency work order was issued to fund the effort to clear the avalanche from U.S. 395. On April 7, six weeks after it was first closed, the highway fully reopened along Mono Lake.

With U.S. 395 reopened, maintenance crews turned their attention to reopening the mountain passes. Monitor Pass (State Route 89), Tioga Pass Road (State Route 120), and Tioga Pass all experienced their latest openings on record, while Sonora Pass (State Route 108) experienced its second latest opening.

Atmospheric Rivers of 2023 Gallery

Bridgeport Snow 2023 A snowy Main Street in Bridgeport on January 1, 2023.
Smokey the Bear in Snow 2023 A Smokey the Bear sign is nearly completely buried under snow along U.S. 395 in January 2023.
Crestview Snowed In 2023 Snow covers U.S. 395 at Crestview in January 2023.
Snow June Lake Sign 2023 The sign at June Lake is nearly buried under many feet of snow on January 11, 2023.
Caltrans Vehicle Tioga Lodge A Caltrans vehicle sits parked on U.S. 395 with Mono Lake in the background obscured by low clouds and fog on January 10, 2023.
Snow Blower US 395 Winter 2023 An orange Caltrans snowblower removes snow from Conway Summit on U.S. 395 on January 11, 2023.
Stuck Caltrans Vehicle 2023 A Caltrans employee shoveling snow in front of a stuck Caltrans truck on January 10, 2023.
Snowy Do Not Enter Sign US 395 2023 Snow covers part of a Do Not Enter sign on U.S. 395 near Mammoth Lakes in January 2023.
Mono Lake Avalanche 1 2023 An aerial look at the avalanche on U.S. 395 along Mono Lake in March 2023.
Mono Lake Avalanche 2 2023 Snow and debris from a series of avalanches covers U.S. 395 along Mono Lake.
Mono Lake Avalanche Clean Up 1 Construction equipment removes snow and debris from the south side of the avalanche on U.S. 395 along Mono Lake in March 2023.
Mono Lake Avalanche Clean Up 2 2023 Snow and debris covers part of U.S. 395 north of Lee Vining following a series of winter avalanches. (March 2023)
Mono Lake Avalanche Clean UP 2023 3 The sun shines on an excavator and a loader as they clear snow and debris from U.S. 395 along Mono Lake in March, 2023.
Mono Lake Avalanche Clean Up 2023 4 The sun shines on an excavator removing snow and debris from U.S. 395 along Mono Lake in March 2023.
Mono Lake Avalanche Clean Up 2023 5 Construction equipment removes snow and debris from the avalanche closure on U.S. 395 along Mono Lake in March 2023.
Mono Lake Avalanche Clean Up 2023 6 An excavator removes snow and debris from the avalanche closure on U.S. 395 near Mono Lake in March 2023.
Various pictures of burning trees and hillsides from the Marina Fire in June 2016.

The 2016 Marina Fire

The Marina Fire ignited on June 25, 2016 on the mountain slopes west of Mono Lake. While it was only active for 14 days and limited to just 650 acres in size, the fire prompted the closure of U.S. 395 north of Lee Vining and the evacuation of Tioga Lodge. The fire charred the hillside along the highway, burning away most the natural vegetation and leaving the rocky remains more exposed to the elements. Fire crews were able to save Tioga Lodge from the flames. As burn scars are naturally prone to flooding in wet weather, District 9 quickly built a rock fence along the highway to keeps travelers safe from any rocks that may tumble down toward the highway.

More Events in District 9 History

Independence Flooding 1 A loader works to clear water and mud from U.S. 395 near Independence in July, 2008.
Independence Flooding 2 A Caltrans vehicle sits damaged on the side of the road following flash floods and debris flows in Independence in July, 2008.
Independence Flooding 3 Water flows near U.S. 395 due to flooding in Independence in July, 2008.
Independence Flooding 4 A Caltrans loader works to clear debris in Independence following flooding in July, 2008.
Kern 202 Mudslide 1 A vehicle is stuck in mud and rocks following flash floods on State Route 202 on July 19, 2015.
Kern 202 Mud Slide 2 Mud, dirt, and rocks cover State Route 202 following flash floods in July, 2015.
2015 Round Fire 1 The hillsides of southern Mono County burn in the Round Fire in February, 2015.
2017 Slinkard Fire Smoke billows from the flames in the hills alongside Topaz Lake in the Slinkard Fire in 2017.
2019 Ridgecrest EQ 1 Cracks split State Route 178 following the Ridgecrest earthquake in July, 2019.
2019 Ridgecrest EQ 2 A Caltrans employee observes the repair process to State Route 178 following the Ridgecrest earthquake in July, 2019.
2020 Walker Fire 1 An Adopt-a-Highway sign lays on the burnt ground outside Walker in the aftermath of the Walker Fire in 2020.
2020 Walker Fire 2 The burnt land just off U.S. 395 in Walker following the Walker Fire in November, 2020.
2022 Inyo County Flooding 1 Water floods over State Route 190 east of Olancha on August 5, 2022.
2022 Inyo County Flooding 2 A grader pushes mud off State Route 190 in Death Valley National Park following historic flooding in August, 2022.
2022 Inyo County Flooding 3 Mud, rocks, and debris sit where a section of State Route 190 once did following historic flooding in September, 2022.
2022 Inyo County Flooding 4 A series of box culverts are nearly full of mud following historic flooding in September, 2022.

Unaired Death Valley-Owens Valley Flooding Report

Winter Operations

A series of cars drive through heavy snow on State Route 203 in May, 2017.

Snow in the Sierra

Hundreds of highway miles within District 9 sit 6,000' above sea level, and in the winter, that means snow. Lots and lots of snow. Winters in Sierra tend to begin in November and run through early spring. While Caltrans is able to close some highways for the duration of the winter, vital roads must remain open. The District 9 maintenance crews are weathered professionals when it comes to winter operations. Each year they go above and beyond to keep the roads open no matter what Mother Nature throws their way.

A Photo History of District 9 Winter Operations

1928 Tioga Pass A black and white photo by Philip Weverka of Tioga Pass with snow in the mountains from 1928.
Undated Crestview US 395 Snow An undated black and white image of a vehicle driving on US 395 near Crestview.
1932 Conway Grade Snow A black and white photo from 1932 showing an unknown man standing in the snow near Conway Summit. Writing on the image reads "We open Conway Grade 3-25-32."
1932 Silver Lake Snow A black and white photo of Silverlake with snow in the mountains. Writing on the picture reads "Enroute Silver Lake 3-15-32."
1932 Truck Driving to Bridgeport A black and white image of a truck driving through snow to Bridgeport in March, 1932. Writing on the picture reads "Bridgeport or Bust. March 30, 1932."
1932 Truck Leaving Lee Vining A black and white image of an old truck stopped in the snow in 1932. Writing on the picture reads "Homeward Bound from Lee Vining 2-23-32."
1934 SR 120 Snow A black and white photo of Tioga Road covered in snow in 1934. A sign in the picture reads "Snow Removal Program. 9-Mono County-40-A Mile 10.5. March 29, 1934. 68KG. State of California Department of Public Works. Division of Highways District 9, Bishop California."
1936 Crestview Long Valley Snow A black and white image of a truck driving over a completely snowed over road. Writing on the picture reads "Long Valley. 1936 Crestview."
1936 Crestview Putting on Chains A black and white image of an unknown man putting snow chains on his vehicle with a snow plow behind him in 1936. Writing on the picture reads "Lorin Putting on chains. 1936 Crestview."
1936 Crestview Snow 1 A black and white image of an old car driving on a snowy road in 1936. The writing on the image reads "1936 Crestview. Between Mammoth and June Lake."
1936 Crestview Snowplow 1 A black and white image of an old snowblower clearing snow from the road in 1936. Writing on the picture reads "Crestview. 1936 Crestview."
Undated Snow Trucks An undated black and white image showing a group of men surrounded by snow removal vehicles and snow.
1936 Long Valley Snowplow 1 A black and white image of a snowblower removing snow from the road. Writing on the image reads "1936 Crestview. Long Valley." Previous ImageNext Image Close
Undated Bridgeport Blower US 395 An undated black and white image of a snowblower removing snow from U.S. 395 near Bridgeport.
Undated Caltrans Snowplow 1 An undated black and white image of an old snowplow used by Caltrans in the 1930s.
Undated Caltrans Snowplow 2 An undated black and white image of an old snowplow used by Caltrans in the 1930s.
Undated Caltrans Snowplow 3 An undated black and white image of an old snowplow removing snow from the highway. This type of plow was used by Caltrans in the 1930s.
Undated Crestview Lodge An undated black and white image of the Crestview Lodge covered in snow and icicles.
Undated Car Next to Snow Wall An undated black and white image of a truck with snow chains on next to a wall of snow.
Undated Long Valley Turn into Fish Hatchery An undated image for a barely visible car surrounded by snow near the turn into Fish Hatchery in Long Valley. Writing on the image reads "Turn into Fish Hatchery. Long Valley."
Undated Mono County Helps Open Conway An undated black and white image showing a truck driving through snow with snowbanks nearly as tall as the truck. Writing on the image reads "Good Year should by this one (with an arrow pointing to tire tread). Mono County Truck Helps Open Conway."
Undated Mail Delivery An undated black and white image of mail loaded on a toboggan to be delivered to Silver Lake. Writing on the image reads "500 lbs. mail and provisions via toboggan to Silver Lake."
Undated Snowblower 1 An undated black and white image of a snowblower removing snow from the highway. The vehicle is masked behind a cloud of snow.
Undated Snowblower 2 An undated black and white image showing a snowblower removing snow for the road. The vehicle is surrounding on all sides by heavy snow.
Undated Snowblower 3 An undated black and white image of a snowblower clearing snow from the highway. The snow is so deep nothing on the vehicle below the cab is visible.
Undated Snowplow and Snowblower working together An undated black and white image of a snowblower and snowplow working together to clear snow from the road.
Undated Snow Shoveling by Hand 1 An undated black and white image showing men shoveling snow with shovels on the highway. Writing on the picture reads "Notice Fourth Man's Expression." One of the men in the picture is wearing sunglasses and smiling. Another has his thumb to his nose.
Undated Snow Shoveling by Hand 2 An undated black and white image of men shoveling snow with shovels on the highway. Writing on the picture reads "Putting her up in the air."
Undated Summit of Conway An undated black and white image of men resting as they clear snow from the highway using snow shovels. Writing on the picture reads "Summit of Conway Hill."
1952 Crestview Plowing A black and white image for a snowplow pushing snow off the road near Crestview in 1952. A second plow is unseen behind the first one. Writing on the picture reads 'Mono County, 23, East State Route 270 Looking South at 2 plows working. 1-17-52, M.E.F. M-369."
1956 SR 108 Fourth of July Cut A black and white image of Sonora Pass snow clearing at Fourth of July Cut. Writing on the picture reads "District 9 - Mono County - 13 - A. 6-1-56. E.D.H. M-99. 4th July Cut Snow Pack Opening."
1960s Bishop Snowmelt 1 A black and white image from the 1960s of downtown Bishop with snow and flood waters.
1960s Bishop Snowmelt 2 A black and white image from the 1960s of downtown Bishop with snow and flood waters.
1960s Bishop Snowmelt 3 A black and white image from the 1960s of downtown Bishop with snow and flood waters.
1960s Bishop Snowmelt 4 A black and white image from the 1960s of downtown Bishop with snow and flood waters.
1960s Bishop Snowmelt 5 A black and white image from the 1960s of downtown Bishop with snow and flood waters.
1962 June Lake Snow Cleared A black and white image of State Route 158 in June Lake showing a freshly plowed road. Writing on the image reads "Snow Removal. 2-11-62. C.F.S. M-1419."
1965 Monitor Pass Reopens 1 A black and white image from April 28, 1965 showing a Ford truck driving through a recently opened Monitor Pass.
1965 Monitor Pass Reopens 2 A black and white picture of a truck stopped on Monitor Pass after it opened from its winter closure on April 28, 1965.
1966 State Route 203 Mammoth A black and white image of State Route 203 showing a man watching on as several cars follow a snowblower through Mammoth Lakes on January 1, 1966.
1983 At the Gate to Tioga A black and white picture of a snowblower driving through snow that's nearly as tall as the vehicle. A Caltrans employee stands to the side of the vehicle on top of the snow. Writing on the image reads "June 1 , 1983 at Gate. Sierra Daily News."
1983 Snow Blower Ground Level A black and white image of a snowblower stopped on State Route 120 W to Yosemite in 1983.
1983 Snow Blower on SR 120 W A black and white image of a snowblower blowing snow off the road on State Route 120 W to Yosemite in 1983.
1983 Snow Plowing on SR 120 W A black and white image from the point of view of a snowplow showing a snow blower removing snow from State Route 120 W to Yosemite in 1983. A man walks toward another vehicle in the distance.
2021 SR 58 Snow Closure 1 Snow falls on State Route 58 near Tehachapi in December, 2021. The road is closed and the highway is completely empty.
2021 SR 58 Snow Closure 2 Vehicles traveling westbound are limited to a single lane on State Route 58 near Tehachapi as snow falls in the region in December, 2021.
2021 SR 58 Snow Closure 3 Snow continues to fall into the evening as Caltrans crews and emergency responders attend to a jackknifed big rig on State Route 58 in December, 2021.
2021 SR 58 Snow Closure 4 Windmills turn in the distance behind the Tehachapi Boulevard Exit 151 sign on State Route 58 as the highway reopens following heavy snow on December 15, 2021.

1934 Snow Removal Video

The Next 100 Years...

Eastern Kern, Inyo, and Mono county highways have seen a lot of changes over the last 100 years. New highways have been built and old ones have been expanded, creating a permanent connection between the communities of the Eastern Sierra, Tehachapi Mountains, Death Valley, and the Northern Antelope Valley. While we don't know where we'll be a century from now, we do know the highways of District 9 will continue to evolve as technology and community needs change. We can't say for sure what kinds of projects we'll be working on in 2123, but we have a few in the works for the next decade or so that will continue to showcase Caltrans' dedication to creating an outstanding multi-modal transportation system that benefits everyone.

Upcoming Projects